SciDev.Net

The simple communication of key scientific information to the public needs to be improved if sustainable development is to be a realistic goal.

With the death of Arthur C. Clarke, science and rational thought have lost one of their leading promoters.

The success of a recent SciDev.Net meeting on science journalism in Bolivia reflects growing recognition for the field in Latin America.

A democratic dialogue over science-related issues is critical for modern societies. But providing reliable information in an accessible way is an essential prerequisite for this to occur.

There are inevitable limitations on the extent to which the public can become usefully involved in determining how science should be carried out. But that doesn't mean that demands for greater public involvement should be rejected.

The past 20 years have seen a boom in science communication in Latin America. But there is still a long way before it can be said that information about science is consistently reaching everyone on the continent.